An Old City classic that's been sitting sadly dormant for years is well on its way back to life. Take a look around the Olde Bar, the Garces Group's revamp of landmark seafood house Old Original Bookbinder's. As mentioned in yesterday's winter openings preview, the restaurant is set to open to the public on Friday, January 9 at 4 p.m.
Much of this will look familiar to many readers, as the building's most prominent features — the elaborate woodwork of the bar and booths, and even the Bookbinder's signage — remain intact. But whether you're on a nostalgia trip or are a more recent arrival to Philadelphia who's never glimpsed the interior, the chance to get inside and sip on snapper soup and a Clover Club feels like a very big deal.
Event spaces flank the main bar and restaurant: to the east, the Blackburn Room is a bright white space that floods with sunlight during the day. To the west, the Vessel Room (not yet ready to go) looks like it will be more intimate and a bit darker, more in keeping with the solid wood feel of the main dining room.
